Winter Family Fun in the Mt. Rainier Area
Whittaker Mountaineering
in Ashford
© Doug DeVany
Snow Play Area at Paradise
Families with children will enjoy the snow play area at Paradise, north of the upper parking lot -- at least five feet of snow are needed before it can open. It is usually open by mid-December; in 2007, opening day was Dec 22nd. The Snow Play area is the ONLY place in the park where sledding and sliding are permitted. Trees, tree wells, and cliffs make other areas dangerous. For everyone's safety, use "soft" sliding devices flexible sleds, inner tubes, and saucers. No hard toboggans or runner sleds. Due to construction in the upper parking lot the marked trail to the snowplay area from the visitor center should be used on weekdays. More info here. 
Catt Creek Road
The Catt Creek Road in Ashford is a favorite snowy playground for families. Turn right off of Hwy 706 on the Kernahan or Skate Creek Road (2.6 miles from Visitor Center in Ashford). Continue about 1.4 miles and then turn right on Osborne Rd., then an immediate left onto the #85 road. The road is paved for 6 miles. Park at the Green Gate. Another popular area can be accessed from the #59 Road on the North side of Hwy 706 near Copper Creek. The road is not plowed so use caution and carry chains.
Cut your own Christmas Tree
Share a traditional family outing to find, cut and carry home the perfect Christmas tree. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest sells $5 u-cut permits.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Near Eatonville, the Wildlife Park is a treasure for families and wildlife enthusiasts. The signature tram tour through the 435-acre free roaming area offers the opportunity to spot animals as they wander through forests, wetlands and meadows. Including the core area -- with cats, bears, wolves, owls and more -- the park is home to 200 animals representing 30 species. For more information, visit http://www.nwtrek.org
Yakima Elk Herd Feeding
At Oak Creek Wildlife Area observe the supplemental winter feeding of the Yakima elk herd -- up to 1,200 animals including 90 branched-antlered bulls. The winter feeding program was started at the 94,000 plus-acre Oak Creek Wildlife Area in 1945. A large parking and viewing area with an interpretive center allows the public to closely approach the elk. This provides more than 100,000 visitors the opportunity to observe the elk each winter. It is located just west of Naches on the White Pass Scenic Byway.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's Snowball Express
The Snowball Express will take you into a winter wonderland for a vintage steam train experience. The loading platform is located near Lake Mineral off of Highway 7 between Morton and Elbe.
